Radiosynovectomy
Radiosynovectomy (radiosynoviorthesis, RSO) consists in the intra-articular injection of a radiopharmaceutical containing high-energy beta particles with the purpose of destroying functionally active cells maintaining inflammation within the joint synovium.
Depending on the joint size, the following radioisotopes with different beta penetration are used:
- yttrium-90 for the knee joints
- rhenium-186 for the shoulder, ankle, elbow and wrist joints
Qualification for Radiosynovectomy
The patient’s eligibility for RSO treatment will depend on the bone scintigraphy or ultrasound results.
How can you schedule an appointment to check if you are eligible for RSO? In person, by mail or phone. A doctor’s referral is required.
Patient preparation for eligibility check and treatment:
- no fasting is required
- the patient should wear loose clothes that offer easy access to the affected joint
How is the treatment performed?
- The doctor injects the radiopharmaceutical directly into the affected joint. The isotope particles are taken up by the synovial membrane and penetrate into its deeper layers causing local necrosis and fibrosis. Within several months from the treatment, the inflamed synovial cells are gradually replaced by the regenerated synovium. Isotope administration takes appr. 15-20 minutes.
What do I need to do after the treatment?
- the treated joint must be immobilized for at least 48 h
- the patient should limit load to the treated joint within the first 7 days from the procedure.
- the patient should not bathe while the orthosis is still on
- for this purpose, our clinic provides special orthoses to be returned by the patients within 7 days from the treatment.
- the patient cannot drive themselves home after the procedure due to the necessity to keep the treated joint immobile, so transport home needs to be arranged for them
- If the joint gets swollen after the treatment, cold compress should be applied. In case of pain in the joint, the patient can take an analgesic
